• A DIY DNA synthesizer project aims to use a DLP projector to generate >3 Gb of oligonucleotides in a single run; participants are researching protecting-group chemistries for the photolithographic synthesis process.

• The open-source SKDB (Structured Knowledge Database) project—successor to OpenVirgil—was presented as a living repository of open manufacturing know-how, including YAML inventories of FabLab and TechShop equipment and an “ultimate tool-buying guide.”

• Practical semiconductor fabrication was discussed: a USC machine-shop keyholder described slicing grown silicon ingots with an in-house wafer slicer, while another participant shared a personal webpage mapping the full semiconductor process flow.

• Adaptive immune-system diversity was explained in detail: B and T cells rearrange V, D, J, and C gene segments to create ~10⁶ unique antigen receptors, with only a few amino-acid changes determining specificity.

• Cryonics and anti-aging research were framed as complementary “exit” strategies; participants emphasized the need for non-toxic cryoprotectants and oxygen-free storage methods to prevent cellular degradation during long-term preservation.

• DNA barcoding was proposed as a genomic tool to police the $15 billion global bush-meat trade, illustrating how open-source biotechnology can curb illegal wildlife trafficking.

• NVIDIA’s PhysX SDK (formerly Novodex) was noted as free in binary form but $50 k per platform for source; open-source wrappers such as NxOgre/BloodyMess were linked, alongside concerns that GPU physics lacks transparency.

• Quantum-dot and direct-bandgap polymer photovoltaics were highlighted as next-generation solar technologies under active development, with a promise to share further technical details.

• The upcoming H+ Summit in Irvine (Dec 2009) was confirmed for at least four channel regulars, with the SKDB open-hardware project slated for presentation and plans for a “secret meeting of doom” on the sidelines.